Make it a point to be timely

Timeliness is more than a sign of respect. It speaks volumes of who you really are. And, it is also a good indicator of success. If parents get into the habit of being on time, so will your children.

There are many aspects of being on time. It can be as simple as arriving at a planned dinner party at the appointed time to making sure the projects due at work are done so according to the designated schedule. Timeliness begins with a mind set or the value you place on a commitment.

Everyday there are schedules to keep. Getting up in the morning is dictated by what time you must be at work or the children at school. Then the task of the to-do list must be tackled, again, either at the office or at home. Appointments must be kept or made. Missions must be accomplished. If parents have established a more carefree attitude of "I'll get it done as soon as I can- Verses -This project or commitment is a top priority" chances are your life will be reflective of that attitude.

When you commit to anything, you should make that a priority. However, everyone must pick and choose their obligations based on their available time and dedication to the cause. If you find yourself doing so many things and none of them well, it is time to reevaluate your pledges. It is better to do less and do them well then do too much and feel in over your head.

Too many times parents find themselves volunteering for a project that is dear to their hearts. We sincerely believe we would like to or need to become involved only to end up later regretting our decision. Later, as deadlines approach we either neglect other tasks or we tackle the assignment with less than perfect results. Instead of feeling good about ourselves we typically are left being embarrassed or less than satisfied with our participation.

With the fast paced world we all share, it is so easy to be the go-to person. Everyone needs to feel needed, wants to feel wanted, and craves the sense of ‘We can do it all and our kids and spouses will be so proud.' Yet, when we try to do too much and what we actually do accomplish is marginally just okay, we actually end up feeling worse.

If you are the person who over-commits, you are accustomed to hearing "Oh, I just don't know how you do all you do!" The secret of those who over-commit is they don't know either.

Wouldn't it be better if you set the example for your family by showing them what true commitment really is? Decide to limit yourself to projects that you can do well. Show your family that you have the ability to perform above and beyond! When you do it well by completing your duties better than the average, in a timely manner and with pure satisfaction of a job well done, that is doing it right!

If you are one of those rare people who are organized in every aspect of your life, more power to you! And, just so you know, the rest of us envy you! However, for the rest of us who fumble through life, giving it our best effort and rarely feeling we did it well, heed these words… Whatever you do, do it well. If you can't do it well, let someone else do it!